Best 1,000 complete system for girlfriend ideas

This can be a VERY touchy situation. I would proceed with caution. My suggestion is to buy new / demo / refurb with a warranty and keep it simple. Most non-audiophile women are more concerned with looks and convenience so long as it sounds "reasonable" and it doesn't take up the entire room.

With that in mind, even "mass-fi" can sound pretty reasonable if you take the time to set it up as best possible. Work with her as it is her system and money. Adding "special touches" to HER decision will allow her to exercise her independance while allowing you to "tweak" the system. If you do this carefully and reasonably, you should be able to get it to the point that she will notice the difference and appreciate what CAN be done in the future. Sean
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I almost forgot one VERY important thing. Buy Bose. Everybody likes Bose and it may gain her some respect from her friends. After all, it is QUITE impressive : ) Sean
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Lance, i did something similar with a lady friend of mine in the past. She was looking for a system and had been looking at "rack systems". She was about ready to buy, but needed another week to come up with the rest of the money. Trying to steer her in the "right direction", we went to a local audio shop that carried very nice gear. I explained to the owner what she was looking for and how much she had to spend. He picked out components and assembled a system for her while we waited. It consisted of a cd player, integrated amp and small two ways that were sealed.

She sat down to listen. Not only did she think that it sounded VERY clean, clear and natural, she was amazed at how much sound came out of "those little speakers". After all, she was comparing them to big ported boxes with a large woofer. The owner of the shop suggested listening to a different amplifier, actually a receiver. That way she could decide if the trade off in sound quality would warrant the inclusion of a tuner. His thinking was that she would be better off with a a good basic system and she could always add a tuner in a short time. She replied, "i'll never be able to hear a difference in that stuff", but he hooked up the receiver anyhow. She instantly said "wow, it sounds like somebody put a sheet over the speakers". She COULD hear the difference and it was obvious. She was using audio terminology even though she didn't know it. The receiver sounded "veiled" in comparison to the integrated.

In the long run, she bought the rack system. Not only did it have an equalizer, more lights, looked fancier and had a remote, it came with "BIG" speakers and the rack too....

Bottom line. Work with her WHATEVER she gets. It may not be what you would like her to have, but it IS her money and decision. Besides, listening to her system will only help you to appreciate yours even more : ) Sean
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